Frieze Art Fair

The Project

The Frieze Art Fair is a major international meeting place for anyone interested in contemporary art. In 2006, it hosted 150 of the most exciting contemporary art galleries and 63,000 visits were made. Fair directors Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover commented, “The public, gallerists and artists alike have expressed delight with the tree top entrance designed by Jamie Fobert, our new architect.”

Designs sought to enjoy the park location to the full. A ramp wound up through the trees to the fair’s entrance and inside the tents trees were planted in the public squares and cafes.

There was an aim not to disguise but to expose the temporary nature of the fair’s construction. Scaffolding and the tent’s support structure were left bare. Visitors arrive high up in the tent, from where there is a view across the vast roofspace. The trees below can be seen peeping up through the muslin ceiling.

Unlike permanent art spaces the Fair’s immense space has to be constructed quickly and lasts only five days. Frieze must function seamlessly both for its visitors and galleries while presenting a strong contemporary image of what an art space can be.